We Spent the Day Getting High

Today was a long day on the back of the bike that just may have developed some saddle sores. But getting high was somewhat exhilarating, so the saddle sores were worth it.

We left the RV this morning bright and early about 10 a.m. - Senior Citizen Simon was somewhat distraught with the fact that we were going to be gone all day. See picture below.

We headed north out of Cody and worked our way up toward Dead Indian Pass.

When we reached the summit this is what we saw. Pictures can in no way do it justice.

And of course, then we had to go down. Dead Indian Pass is at 8,000 feet. The air felt so cool and fresh. Note all the switchbacks going down into the Sunlight Basin.

At the top of Dead Indian Pass we found this little creature. Both Mom and Dad were there with a litter of three babies that were scurrying all over. But they just would not agree to pose all together for me so I had to take what I could get.

The story has it that the Nez Pearce Indians along with 2000 horses were being chased by the US Cavalry. They hoped that by crossing over this pass they could either join up with their allies the Crows or make it into Canada. They had been on the run for 60 days at this point and were exhausted, but still trying to help all their sick and wounded. They knew that winter was closing in and if they could make it over this mountain fast enough they might be safe. History says that they left a wounded warrior on this mountain who was discovered by the Army scouts and was killed. Thus the name Dead Indian Pass.

Then we reached the Top of the World Store. This is located just below the summit of Beartooth Pass. The highway going over Beartooth is closed from October to the end of May, but the people who operate the store stay through the winter.

Now, would you like to take a ride over the summit of Beartooth? It's hard to breath at 11,000 feet. Take 6 steps, stop and catch your breath, take 6 more steps, stop and catch your breath. Remember, Ole and I are Flatlanders - our elevation at home is just a tish over 900 feet so we're definitely oxygen deprived up there. Hope you enjoyed that. There's more coming.